The Weinstein Effect

Dame Angela Lansbury Sets the Record Straight on Her Sexual Harassment Comments

“Lastly, I would like to add that I am troubled by how quickly and brutishly some have taken my comments out of context and attempted to blame my generation, my age, or my mindset, without having read the entirety of what I said.”

Dame Angela Landsbury at the opening of “It’s Only a Play” on Broadway.

By John Lamparski/Getty Images.

Dame Angela Lansbury said in a statement Wednesday night that her quotes on the wave of sexual harassment in Hollywood have been “taken out of context.” She told the Radio Times in a recent interview that, in part, “we have to own up to the fact that women, since time immemorial, have gone out of their way to make themselves attractive,” and “we must sometimes take blame, women.” Predictably, her words tore through Twitter on Tuesday, and not in a good way.

Landsbury, who has enjoyed a streak of unalloyed adoration from the general public for nearly 75 years, released her statement Wednesday night. “There is no excuse whatsoever for men to harass women in an abusive sexual manner,” she said. “And, I am devastated that anyone should deem me capable of thinking otherwise. Those who have known the quality of my work and the many public statements I have made over the course of my life, must know, that I am a strong supporter of Women’s Rights.”

She added that she was taken aback by speed at which people commented negatively on her words. “Lastly, I would like to add that I am troubled by how quickly and brutishly some have taken my comments out of context and attempted to blame my generation, my age, or my mindset, without having read the entirety of what I said.”

What began with over 60 allegations of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein in October has resulted in a groundswell of women (and men) coming forward with their stories. Hosts Matt Lauer and Charlie Rose have been fired after alleged incidence have surfaced, and more allegations have hit Louis C.K., Kevin Spacey, director Brett Ratner, and more.

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